I’m excited to share this cozy Farmer’s Casserole Recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen. It s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate-hearty, cheesy, and just a little bit spicy from the jalapeño Monterey Jack cheese. I love how it all comes together simply but delivers so much comfort, making it a perfect weekend brunch or easy dinner when you want something satisfying without fuss.
You ll find that this Farmer’s Casserole Recipe works wonderfully for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy mornings because you can assemble it in advance and bake when ready. It s one of those recipes that s forgiving, adaptable, and always gets a thumbs-up at my table – trust me, your family will go crazy for this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it hours or even a day ahead and bake when ready, which is a lifesaver on busy days.
- Comfort Food Classic: With cheesy goodness, ham, and fluffy eggs, it reminds me of lazy Sunday breakfasts with my family.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole feeds a crowd easily – perfect for potlucks, brunches, or holiday gatherings.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your fridge already, making it quick to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Farmer’s Casserole Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that balance texture and flavor beautifully. When shopping, choosing a good quality ham and a flavorful cheese like Monterey Jack with jalapeño bits really elevates the dish.
- Frozen, shredded hash brown potatoes: Using frozen hash browns is such a handy shortcut-they cook evenly and soak up all the creamy goodness.
- Jalapeño Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese adds a nice spicy kick; you can swap it for cheddar or Swiss if you prefer milder flavors.
- Diced, cooked ham (or Canadian bacon): Adds smoky, meaty flavor-leftover ham or deli ham works just fine here.
- Sliced green onions: They bring freshness and a mild onion taste that complements the richness.
- Eggs (or egg substitute): The binder that holds the whole casserole together and gives it that custardy texture.
- Evaporated milk: It makes the dish creamy without being heavy; regular milk could work but evaporated milk gives a richer consistency.
- Salt and ground pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out all the flavors without overpowering them.
Variations
I love making this Farmer’s Casserole Recipe my own by switching up ingredients based on what s in my fridge or to suit different tastes. It s flexible enough to let you experiment and find your favorite version.
- Vegetarian Version: I ve swapped the ham for sautéed mushrooms and spinach-still packed with flavor and just as comforting.
- Cheese Options: Sometimes I use sharp cheddar or a combo of Swiss and mozzarella for a milder, creamier texture.
- Spice Level: If you re not into heat, try regular Monterey Jack cheese instead of the jalapeño version-it s still delicious!
- Extra Veggies: Adding diced bell peppers or zucchini can sneak in some veggies without changing the vibe too much.
How to Make Farmer’s Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Layer
Start by greasing a 3-quart rectangular baking dish-it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Spread the frozen hash brown potatoes evenly across the bottom; they create that crispy golden base that I love. Next, sprinkle on the shredded cheese, diced ham, and green onions evenly on top. It s like building layers of flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Egg and Milk Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. This mixture is crucial-it cooks into a delicate, creamy custard that holds everything together. Pour it gently over the layered potato, cheese, and ham mixture, making sure it seeps evenly through the layers.
Step 3: Chill or Bake
Here s a great trick I discovered: you can cover and refrigerate the assembled casserole for several hours or even overnight if you need to prep ahead. When you re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour and 15 minutes if fresh, or extend to 1 hour and 30 minutes if baked straight from the refrigerator. You ll know it s done when the center is set and the top turns lightly golden.
Step 4: Let It Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Farmer’s Casserole stand for 5 minutes-this helps it set up nicely and makes it easier to slice. I find this resting time lets the flavors meld and keeps every bite creamy without being messy. Then, dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Farmer’s Casserole Recipe
- Use Frozen Shredded Potatoes: Fresh potatoes work, but frozen shredded hash browns save prep time and meld better with the custard.
- Don t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the casserole sit after baking makes slicing cleaner and enhances flavor blending.
- Opt for Evaporated Milk: It gives a richer texture than regular milk without heaviness-I tried both and preferred evaporated milk every time.
- Maintain Even Layers: Spread ingredients evenly to ensure every serving is balanced and flavorful.
How to Serve Farmer’s Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or extra sliced green onions on top just before serving-it adds a pop of color and a fresh bite that contrasts nicely with the creamy casserole. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side can also add a fun twist if you re into that.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I often serve this Farmer’s Casserole with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans for balance. If it’s brunch, a side of fresh fruit always brightens the plate wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, I ve tried serving this casserole in individual ramekins-everyone gets their own cheesy, bubbly portion, which feels extra special. Another fun idea is topping with crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of chives right before serving to add texture and a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and it stays good for up to 4 days. Reheating is quick and easy, and you ll find that the flavors deepen even more after resting overnight.
Freezing
I ve frozen this Farmer’s Casserole Recipe before with good results-freeze in portions or whole, wrapped tightly. When thawed and reheated, it still holds its creamy texture, though I recommend baking a little longer to warm through completely.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake at 325°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes depending on portion size. This gentle reheating helps maintain that creamy, custardy texture without drying it out.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns in this Farmer’s Casserole Recipe?
Yes, fresh shredded potatoes can work, but frozen hash browns are more convenient and provide a consistent texture. If you use fresh potatoes, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a soggy casserole.
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Is there a dairy-free substitution for the cheese and evaporated milk?
You can try using dairy-free cheese alternatives and unsweetened plant-based milk (like oat or almond milk) with a thickener like a bit of cornstarch to mimic the creaminess. Keep in mind this might change the flavor slightly but works for those with dairy restrictions.
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How spicy is the Farmer’s Casserole given the jalapeño Monterey Jack cheese?
The jalapeño Monterey Jack cheese adds a mild, pleasant heat without overpowering the dish. If you re sensitive to spice, simply substitute it with regular Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese.
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Can I add other meats instead of ham?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon all pair wonderfully with this casserole. Just be mindful of the cooking times and moisture content of any substitutions.
Final Thoughts
This Farmer’s Casserole Recipe has a special place in my heart because it takes humble ingredients and turns them into something truly comforting and delicious. I hope you try making it and find it as easy and satisfying as I do-whether for a busy breakfast or a relaxed family dinner. It s one of those recipes you ll reach for again and again, and that s a foodie win in my book!
Print
Farmer’s Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Farmer’s Casserole combines shredded hash brown potatoes, flavorful ham, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, all bound together with a savory egg and evaporated milk mixture. Perfect for a comforting brunch or dinner, it’s easy to prepare ahead and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Potato Layer
- 6 cups frozen, shredded hash brown potatoes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Jalapeno Monterey Jack Cheese (can substitute cheddar or Swiss)
- 2 cups diced, cooked ham (or Canadian bacon)
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs, beaten (or 2 cups egg substitute)
- Two 12-ounce cans evaporated milk (can use whole, 2% or fat free)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dish: Grease a 3-quart rectangular baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Layer ingredients: Evenly spread the frozen shredded hash brown potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the potatoes, followed by the diced ham and sliced green onions for balanced flavor.
- Mix egg and milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, salt, and ground pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine layers: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered potato mixture in the baking dish, making sure the egg mixture soaks through the potatoes and toppings.
- Optional chilling: At this point, you can cover the casserole and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight to let flavors meld and prepare ahead.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge if chilled. Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 15 minutes if baking immediately, or for 1 hour and 30 minutes if baking from chilled, until the center is set and edges are golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes after baking to allow it to set further. Then cut into portions and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute cheeses like cheddar or Swiss if Jalapeno Monterey Jack is unavailable.
- You can swap ham for Canadian bacon as a leaner alternative.
- Using evaporated milk ensures creaminess while reducing raw milk’s moisture.
- Cover and refrigerate the casserole before baking to save time on busy mornings or gatherings.
- Adjust baking time if using previously chilled casserole to ensure thorough cooking.
- Let the casserole rest after baking for easier slicing and better texture.
